Angling Notes/Derek Evans:The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, has announced a number of changes towards the conservation and management of wild salmon in 2008.
The new legislation reflects the advice received from the Standing Scientific Committee to the Minister on stock management of the salmon resource.
A suite of conservation measures introduced in 2007, including a ban on drift netting, resulted in a commercial catch of 8,846 last year compared to 86,400 in 2006. "This represents a reduction of almost 90 per cent in salmon caught by commercial fishing in 2007 and shows that conservation measures based on scientific advice are working," the Minister said.
"I can now open certain rivers that were previously closed to salmon fishing," he said. As a result, 27 rivers have reopened which, in effect, means there are now more rivers open than closed - 77 open to 76 closed.
A new conservation levy of 50 per cent on the rod licence fee will allow the fisheries boards to implement a programme of rehabilitation of salmon stocks. Tariffs for 2008 are: annual licence - €134; district licence - €64; 21-day licence - €50; juvenile licence - €20; one-day licence - €36.
The Minister also announced that the central and regional fisheries boards will be allocated an additional €4 million until 2009 to finance enforcement and protection efforts. Additional resources will also be provided for in-river habitat improvement and fish stock rehabilitation.
• A unique fishing alliance has been forged on the shores of Lough Conn with the announcement that renowned fly fishing instructor and celebrated spey caster, Robert Gillespie, will host a series of courses at the famous Pontoon Bridge Hotel in Co Mayo, starting in March 2008.
As Irish Open professional distance casting champion, Gillespie is looking forward immensely to the venture, particularly as the hotel has one of the finest angling traditions in the country. Immediate access to the water and boat jetty and a fine sandy beach within the confines of the hotel parameters will also prove an advantage for the courses.
As one of the most qualified instructors in Ireland, he has a raft of letters after his name, including Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF); Certified and Master Instructor (single-handed rod); FFF THCI (two-handed casting instructor) and REFFIS Registered School, Instructor and Guide.
Gillespie is a lifelong wild brown trout and salmon angler, and professional ghillie and fly-casting instructor for more than 20 years. He teaches fulcrum fly-casting style with single- and double-handed rods, including two-handed fly-casting - overhead, spey and underhand. Digital video analysis, casting notes and course DVD will be available to participants.
Local man Paddy McDonnell will assist Gillespie, and in addition to regular demonstrations and classes, it is planned to have selected weekends at Pontoon Bridge Hotel with guest instructors Andrew Toft, APGAI and FFF THCI; three times world spey casting champion Scott McKenzie and Michael Drinan.
The hotel's resident instructor Jack Mellette from Castlebar will continue to provide boatman services on the two lakes, a service he has provided for 20 years. Mellette is also a renowned fly-tyer and his framed flies are much sought after.
For further information, e-mail relax@pontoonbridge.com or call the hotel on 094-9256120; or you can call Gillespie directly on 094-9256874 or else e-mail rgsalmonflies@utvinternet.com
• The first salmon of the year was caught by Colin Gardiner on the River Drowes in Co Leitrim at noon last Saturday week. Gardiner, from Lurgan in Co Armagh, caught the 6kg fish on a black Flying "C" with silver blade in the Money Holy on the Lareen Estate, Kinlough, Co Leitrim.
• The annual general meeting of the Dublin Trout Anglers' Association will take place at Ballyboden St Endas, Firhouse Road, Dublin 16 on Friday January 25th, 2008, commencing at 7.45 pm.
In his comprehensive annual report, honorary secretary Ronnie Miley said the club was able to accommodate all applicants for membership during the year, resulting in total membership of 289 adult and 62 juvenile members and a further 27 complimentary and honorary life members.